Gay & LGBTQ+ Couples Therapy in Raleigh, Durham, and Across North Carolina
Evidence-based couples therapy for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer couples in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and across North Carolina.
LGBTQ+ Affirming Couples Therapy in the Triangle Area
Gay couples therapy isn't different because you're a same-sex couple. It's different because every relationship develops its own patterns, and those patterns deserve to be understood in the context of your lives and experiences. I provide affirming gay and LGBTQ+ couples therapy for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer couples throughout Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and across North Carolina using the Gottman Method, a research-based approach to helping couples communicate more effectively and rebuild connection.
Common Challenges for Gay Couples
Understand what's getting in the way of the relationship you want to have.
At one point, you and your partner communicated effortlessly, working together as a team to navigate life’s challenges. But somewhere along the way, things began to shift. The balance between work, life, and your relationship started to slip, and before you knew it, you weren’t connecting the way you used to.
Every relationship goes through tough times, but now, it feels like you’re constantly at odds. Connection and intimacy seem distant, and effective communication feels just out of reach. You may find yourselves feeling misunderstood and disconnected, with no clear path forward.
Break the cycle of frustration and distance.
The good news is that, with the right support, you can rediscover the connection you’ve been missing. You and your partner have the potential to create a stronger, more fulfilling relationship by learning new skills, improving communication, and building intimacy. With the right interventions, lasting change is possible.
Whether you're navigating communication struggles, rebuilding trust, or seeking to deepen your emotional bond, this tailored approach can help you create the lasting connection you deserve.
I provide sex-positive counseling that is inclusive and affirming of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and consensual relationship structures.
Why Choose the Gottman Method?
Gottman Method Couples Therapy is a research-backed approach that focuses on:
Communicating Effectively: Develop tools to navigate tough conversations with understanding, clarity, and respect.
Deepening Intimacy: Rebuild emotional closeness, trust, and affection to strengthen your bond.
Creating Shared Meaning: Align on shared goals, values, and aspirations to foster a strong, united relationship.
WHAT TO EXPECT when you begin couples therapy
The Gottman Method approach begins with a comprehensive assessment of your relationship, followed by a structured therapy plan that includes:
Comprehensive Relationship Assessment
Initial Conjoint Session: Understand the dynamics of your relationship and identify key areas for improvement.
Individual Interviews: Gain insights into each partner's experiences and perspectives.
Personalized Feedback& Plan: Develop a roadmap for strengthening your relationship based on a clear understanding of its strengths and challenges.
The Gottman Relationship Checkup
The Gottman Institute's enhanced relationship checkup is a cutting-edge assessment tool designed to provide deep insights into your partnership. This innovative online evaluation utilizes research-based algorithms to generate unique summary reports, offering a comprehensive analysis of your relationship dynamics.
Developed by the esteemed Dr. John Gottman, this couples report draws on 40 years of research in relationship science. The assessment tool goes beyond basic questionnaires, employing sophisticated techniques to uncover key areas for growth and connection.
The Gottman Relationship Checkup’s HIPAA-compliant platform ensures your privacy while delivering specific treatment recommendations tailored to your unique situation. Experience the benefits of this advanced relationship assessment, backed by Dr. John Gottman's extensive research, and take the first step towards a stronger, more fulfilling partnership.
Customized Interventions
Conflict Management: Replace negative conflict patterns with positive interactions and learn effective repair techniques.
Friendship Building: Increase closeness and intimacy to improve friendship and deepen emotional connection.
Shared Meaning Creation: Develop shared goals and values, enhancing your sense of partnership.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS A BETTER RELATIONSHIP
Couples often wait longer than they wish they had before seeking help. The earlier you understand what's happening, the easier it usually is to change it. Schedule your consultation today, and let’s begin working towards a healthier, happier relationship.
Serving LGBTQ+ Clients in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Across North Carolina
I provide counseling for gay couples in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Apex, Cary, and throughout the Triangle area. Sessions are offered via secure telehealth, making it easier to access specialized, affirming support no matter where you’re located in North Carolina.
Hi, I’m Kenny…
I’m here to support you through life’s hardest moments—and help you come out stronger.
I’m a therapist with 25 years of experience helping same-sex couples navigate some of life’s toughest challenges. As both a gay man and a longtime advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, I understand the unique relationship dynamics, societal pressures, and personal struggles that can impact your partnership. And in today’s political climate, with rights and protections increasingly uncertain, many LGBTQ+ couples are experiencing heightened fear, stress, and strain on their relationships.
Whether you’re facing communication barriers, struggling to balance work and home life, or trying to determine whether to repair or release your relationship, you don’t have to go through it alone. Relationship distress can feel overwhelming, leaving you disconnected from the person who once felt like home.
Our love and our relationships deserve care, attention, and respect. Let’s work together to rebuild your connection and create the fulfilling partnership you’ve been longing for.
How Gay Couples Therapy Works
Ready to get started?
FAQs About Gay Couples Counseling in Raleigh-Durham and Across North Carolina
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Yes. I work with gay, lesbian, and LGBTQ+ couples throughout North Carolina via secure telehealth. Many of the couples I work with are based in Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and the surrounding Triangle area.
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No. While many of my clients are in the Triangle area, I work with couples across North Carolina through telehealth, making it easy to access specialized, affirming support regardless of your location.
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Yes. My work is affirming of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and consensual relationship structures. Therapy is a space where both partners can feel respected, understood, and supported without having to educate their therapist about their relationship. Research has shown that the Gottman Method is an effective approach to counseling with same-sex relationships.
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I work with a wide range of concerns, including:
Communication breakdowns
Conflict and recurring arguments
Rebuilding trust after a rupture or betrayal
Differences in needs around sex, intimacy, or commitment
Navigating stress from work, family, or external pressures
Strengthening connection and long-term stability
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Yes. I offer premarital counseling for gay and LGBTQ+ couples who want to build a strong foundation before marriage or long-term commitment. This work focuses on communication, expectations, conflict management, and long-term compatibility.
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The Gottman Relationship Checkup is a research-based assessment that provides a detailed picture of your relationship’s strengths and areas for growth. It helps guide our work so that sessions are focused, efficient, and tailored to your specific dynamics.
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We typically begin with a structured assessment process, followed by ongoing sessions focused on improving communication, understanding underlying patterns, and building more effective ways to navigate conflict and repair.
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Couples Assessment (includes Gottman Relationship Checkup) • 80 minutes: $335
Individual Partner Assessment Session • 45 minutes: $170 per session
Couples Counseling Session: $205
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My practice is considered out-of-network. Most insurance plans do not cover couples counseling. I recommend checking your insurance plan’s out-of-network benefits for more information.
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Many couples reach out when they feel stuck in recurring patterns or disconnected from each other. Therapy can help you better understand those patterns and develop more effective ways of communicating and repairing. If you’re unsure, a consultation can help determine whether this approach is a good fit.
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The first step is to schedule a consultation. This gives us a chance to understand what you’re dealing with and determine whether this approach is a good fit for both of you.